The GWM Haval Jolion’s interior is larger and roomier than its small SUV status suggests, with exceptional passenger space, especially in the back-seat area.

Other plus points include an easy driving position, helped since 2024 with the introduction of a steering wheel that adjusts for reach as well as height, attractive digital instrumentation, a head-up display, good ventilation, great forward vision, a decent amount of storage and an attractively-presented dashboard.

But keyless entry into the car is only available from the driver’ side. The centre touchscreen is fiddly and distracting to use, with few buttons and no volume knob, meaning that eyes are off the road and the distracted-driver tech sounds off regularly and annoyingly (and can’t be permanently disabled, just temporarily). And there is no DAB+ digital radio, wireless for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or USB-C ports (just USB-As).

That said, the GWM Haval Jolion’s back row is tops, with acres of legroom, a comfy seat and most expected amenities. But that comes at a cost to luggage capacity, which is poor for the size of this SUV.

All GWM Haval Jolion grades have a full suite of advanced driver-assist safety systems (ADAS), seven airbags, a reversing camera, driver’s-side-only keyless entry and start, digital instrumentation, adaptive cruise control, a central touchscreen, wired-only Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, alloy wheels and alarm.

From the Lux and up, features include LED in lieu of halogen headlights, artificial leather upholstery instead of cloth, electric and heated driver’s seats, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree view camera and luggage cover, while the Ultra boasts a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch (not 10.5-inch) touchscreen, a head-up display, a powered front passenger seat, vented front seats, auto park assist, wireless charger and ambient lighting.

The Haval Jolion is available with three varieties of 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The standard tune provides 110kW/220Nm, the sportier S ups performance and includes direct injection, increasing outputs to 130kW/270Nm, while the hybrid benefits from the assistance of a fairly large electric motor to provide a combined output of 139kW/375Nm.

The GWM Haval Jolion is a five-seater small SUV.

The front bucket seats are softly-sprung and reclinable, though after longer journeys some drivers may find the cushion a little flat and unsupportive.

The seats are finished in cloth upholstery in the base Premium model and artificial leather trim in the mid-spec Lux and Ultra. The latter grades also gain electric assistance and heating, while the driver’s side is alone with ventilated cushions.

The rear seat is divided into a 60:40 split, with a fixed cushion of surprising comfort and support, along with an agreeably-angled backrest. In fact, the back seat seems more comfortable than the front ones in the Haval Jolion.

The GWM Haval Jolion Premium and Lux petrol models accelerate from zero to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in about 10 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h. This is in contrast to the more-powerful Haval Jolion Ultra petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 9.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h.

The Haval Jolion hybrid can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 8.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h.

Range is dependent on grade. Theoretically the hybrid versions can travel 1100km between fills, while the standard 1.5-litre versions can travel 679km and the S can travel 733km between fills.